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Imagine If Your Name Were FishingHurts

My friend, formerly known as Rachel, actually changed her name to FishingHurts. You know, as in the website FishingHurts.com and the pretty simple concept that the practice of fishing hurts these aquatic animals. Seriously, it’s true that this Flagstaff, Arizona resident legally changed her name.

I thought you might be interested in meeting her, so here’s a quick interview with 21 year old FishingHurts.

What is your background with animal rights?I went vegetarian when I was 13, vegan at 19. I did various animal rights demonstrations throughout my teen years such as the circus and KFC. At 20, I got an internship with PETA.

What do you think of the internship program at PETA?My internship with PETA was the best learning experience I could ask for. I learned how to effectively discuss animal rights as well as the important steps for organizing a demonstration—many of which I hadn’t been doing. My internship made me a better advocate for animals.

Why did you want to change your name to FishingHurts compared to all the other industries which also abuse animals?Of all the industries where animals are abused, I chose fishing because I feel that people tend to forget about fish because we can’t relate to them. People see them as “sea vegetables,” and I want to remind people that they are living beings that are capable of fear and pain.

Where can people learn more about the cruelty involved in the fishing industry?People can learn more about the cruelty involved in the fishing industry, as well as the health risks and environmental concerns, by visiting FishingHurts.com.

What’s your recommendation for people looking to get involved in animal rights?Anyone who is looking to get involved in animal rights, I would highly recommend to reading PETA’s websites as well as watching videos such as Earthlings. Knowledge is power. I also recommend PETA’s internship program as a great introduction to activism.

What do you do for fun?I love to sled. While everyone here is into snowboarding or skiing, it’s all about sleds for me. I also spend a lot of time drinking espresso in locally-owned coffeeshops.

What’s on your music playlist these days?Right now, I’ve got Common on repeat. Other favorites right now are Fort Minor, Outkast, Citizen Cope, Gnarles Barkley, and Talib Kweli.

Thanks to FishingHurts for the interview and being so dedicated. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in the fight for animal rights, join the peta2 Street Team!

Wow. That’s really cool. I keep trying to tell everyone that fish don’t deserve to be killed.. but they just tell me that they don’t care and that I need to eat meat.
What she did inspired me to just ignore what they say and believe what I want to believe. =]
â™¥Hannah

Thanks,

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